AI workshop empowered students, faculty and staff with Microsoft Copilot

Auburn's Biggio Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning and the Office of Information Technology recently hosted an engaging and informative session titled "Leveraging AI for Success," in collaboration with Microsoft.

This interactive session was designed to help students harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as Microsoft Copilot, to enhance their academic work. The workshop provided practical insights and hands-on strategies for integrating AI into various aspects of student life, including research, presentations and time management.

Participants had the unique opportunity to learn directly from Microsoft representatives, who shared valuable tips on boosting productivity, creativity and efficiency using AI. The session aimed to equip students with the skills to gain a competitive edge in their studies and future careers.

“I feel much more comfortable and am more willing to use AI now that I know that Auburn officially partners with Microsoft to bring this technology to their students," said Azriel Reyes, a master’s student in public administration. "The approved version of Copilot has an enterprise data protection feature to keep my information secure.”

In addition to the student-focused session, employees were offered a one-time opportunity to fast-track their M365 Copilot training. By attending an in-person session, employees bypassed traditional requirements and received a full M365 Copilot license. The license helps employees streamline their work processes, improve efficiency and fosters innovation in their roles.

“Participating in the M365 Copilot License training has been incredibly beneficial for me," said Sandy Krietemeyer, executive assistant to the provost. “It's a powerful tool that has significantly improved my efficiency and made my job easier.”

This initiative, led by Moriah Kent, aimed to continue building a forward-thinking community of TIGER Tech Leaders. This innovative group meets bi-weekly to share challenges, successes and tips for incorporating AI into daily workflows.

“I am thankful for our partnership with Microsoft and am energized by the enthusiasm and engagement from our employees who embodied a spirit that is not afraid with their curiosity and insightful questions,” said Kent, instructional designer and AI implementation specialist for human resource development. “I'm excited to welcome so many new folks into TIGER Tech Leaders and continue growing this innovative community on campus.”

Auburn employees may obtain a fully funded license for M365 Copilot by completing the Copilot training track in ElevatED. For more details or questions about the training and AI session, contact Moriah Kent at mmk0036@auburn.edu.